In 2008, there were no cruise ships on the Mississippi River. The river no longer hummed. The paddlewheels were quiet. But in 2011, the American Queen Steamboat Company bought the American Queen, bringing it back to service on the Mississippi River in 2012! Since then, the cruise line has successfully returned the American Empress to the Columbia & Snake Rivers, and in 2017 introduces the American Duchess to the Mississippi – the first all-suite paddlewheeler in America!

Historic. Magnificent. Grand. The American Queen.

The largest steamboat ever built, the grand American Queen is a gracious and elegant triumph of American ingenuity. Although filled with today’s modern amenities, her rooms and accommodations display all the opulence of the American Victorian era. Glistening woodwork, fresh flowers and antiques adorn her interior spaces. Outside, lacy filigree evokes memories of the many stately river steamers that preceded her and so inspired her designers.

While on board, you can select a volume from the vast collection in the Mark Twain Gallery, the boat’s library. Or enjoy a sing-along in the Main Deck Lounge, and then tap your toes to a lavish show in the two-deck-tall Grand Saloon, the most elegant showplace on the river.

Combining the best of the old and the new, this beautiful lady of the river epitomizes the grace and grandeur that has made steamboating a cherished American tradition for more than two centuries. One voyage and you’ll see why.

The Great American Steamboat Distinctions

The only authentic overnight paddlewheel steamboat in America.

The acclaimed cuisine of famed American chef Regina Charboneau.

The only steamboat with multiple, specialty dining options, all at no additional charge.

Exciting shore excursions provide an in-depth immersion into the history, culture and cuisine of America’s Heartland.

The greatest value in All-American vacations!

Fine Dining

Every meal aboard the American Queen is an affair to remember. Regina Charboneau, our Culinary Director and celebrated American Chef, draws her inspiration from our great Heartland and has created a moveable, delectable feast for you to indulge in. From piping hot beignets and bananas foster French toast for breakfast to succulent five-course dinners, every day celebrates the culinary senses.

Even more astounding than the choices you will find on our menus, are your daily choices of dining venues. The opulent J.M. White Dining Saloon is the centerpiece, serving breakfasts, lunches and dinners that are befittingly grand. The Front Porch of America offers a wide variety of classic American favorites and can satisfy any craving, at any time, as it is open 24 hours. The Calliope Grill serves up views as spectacular as the grilled fare and fresh salads and offers romantic, alfresco dining in the evenings. Should you be feeling peckish in the wee hours, you will find the Moonlight Supper in the Engine Room Bar offers surprising midnight delights.

BREAKFAST

Front Porch Of America

J.M. White Dining Saloon

Grand Saloon

LUNCH

Front Porch of America

J.M. White Dining Saloon

Grand Saloon

River Grill

DINNER

J.M. White Dining Saloon

River Grill

LIGHT MEALS AND SNACKS

Front Porch of America – Open 24 Hours

River Grill

Moonlight Supper in the Engine Room Bar

Elegant Southern Tea – Every Afternoon at 4 PM

American Queen Accommodations

Aboard the grand American Queen, you can relax in a warm, inviting atmosphere of Victorian charm. Appointed with the most luxurious amenities, all suites and staterooms feature plush bedding and fine linens, large mirrors, ample storage space,
wall-to-wall carpet and a private bathroom with a shower. All accommodations enjoy nightly turn-down service along with complimentary bottled water and fresh fruit. Room size, decor and layout may differ within a particular category.

The 166-passenger American Duchess will be the first all-suite paddlewheel boat in the US! The suites range in size from 180 sq ft to 550 sq ft. The boat was created from a 1995 hull, reconstructed into a luxurious river cruise vessel. A completely new concept in river cruising, the American Duchess will have Loft Suites! The lower level will feature a lounge and dining area with full bathroom and sliding doors to a private balcony. The upper level is a semi-private bedroom, full bathroom and closet.

Suite Categories

(OS) Owner’s Suites with Private Veranda: 2-room suites with sliding doors to expansive private balcony, accessible from bedroom and lounge area. Your bedroom includes a queen bed or two twin beds, with full bathroom with tub/shower combination. The furnished lounge area has a desk, cocktail table and chairs, sofa-bed and half bathroom. Other room amenities include two flat-screen TVs, Kuerig Coffee Maker, and mini refrigerator. You’ll be attended by a personal river butler.

(LFS) Loft Suites with Private Veranda: Unique for a river cruise boat, the loft suite features a lower level lounge section and upper level bedroom. The lounge section includes a sofa-bed, full bathroom, small dining area and sliding door access to the private balcony. The bedroom includes a queen bed or two twin beds, full bathroom, closet, and a picture window thru which to watch the river go by. Other room amenities include two flat-screen TVs, Kuerig Coffee Maker, and mini refrigerator. You’ll be attended by a personal river butler.

(DS) Deluxe Suites with Private Veranda: This 2-room suite is 450 sq ft, plenty of room to stretch out and relax. The lounge area has a sofa-bed, desk, and half bathroom. In the bedroom, you’ll find a full bathroom with tub/shower combination, queen bed or two twin beds, closet, and doors to your private balcony. Other room amenities include two flat-screen TVs, Kuerig Coffee Maker, and mini refrigerator.

(VS) Veranda Suites with Private Veranda: Relax from your day of river exploration in your Veranda Suite. French doors open onto your private balcony, enjoy a soak in your tub/shower in the full bathroom, relax on the sofa, or take a nap on your queen or two twin beds. Other room amenities include flat-screen TV, Kuerig Coffee Maker, and mini refrigerator.

(IS) Interior Suites: Your suite is your retreat from the excitement of the boat. Whether you’re resting on one queen or two twin beds, or enjoying a drink while sitting in your furnished seating area, you can relax in your suite. The suite has a full bathroom with tub/shower combination. Other room amenities include flat-screen TV, Kuerig Coffee Maker, and mini refrigerator.

Deck Plan

The American Duchess has two elevators, providing access to all decks. Rooms 306 (IS), 307 (IS), 340 and 341 (VS) are wheelchair accessible with roll-in shower.